Private equity interest turns up the heat on Ireland's fire-safety sector

Irish Independent

19 hours ago

Industry consolidation and recurring revenues make safety service providers an appealing target
Private equity firms are stepping up their interest in Ireland's fire safety sector, as the lure of consolidating the fragmented industry attracts more international investors.
The latest sign of M&A activity heating up came last week when Ranger Fire and Security, backed by London-based investment firm Hyperion Equity Partners, bought Aqua Fire Prevention.
The deal was Ranger's second acquisition in Ireland, building on last year's purchase of KSS Fire Suppression and its 10th deal overall since launching in early 2024.
Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger, said the seven-figure deal to buy Aqua was the first of many for the private equity-backed group.
'It wouldn't surprise me if we did another three or four this year in Ireland alone,' he said. 'We are a broad church. We cover all services with a real focus on the active fire and security elements, especially the maintenance side.'
Bridges said Ranger would invest 'multiple millions' in the Irish market as it hopes to consolidate the 'very fragmented' fire-safety sector. He added that Ireland was attracting more attention from buyers.
If the right deal comes up, I'll take it. A good business is always hard to get
'We all want to be early adopters,' he said. 'We weren't first, but we're seeing more interest in the space.'
Looking at the Irish industry, Bridges said the fire-safety sector in Ireland had many appealing characteristics.
'It is in life safety, which is clearly very important to people and something that is unlikely to be reduced by any government. It's more likely to be enhanced, because of the importance of keeping people safe.
'But the market is incredibly fragmented. There are 4,000 businesses in the UK and Ireland. It's regulated, and the regulations in Ireland are very similar to those in the UK.
​'Finally, because of the maintenance-led approach that we focus on, there are recurring revenues – and that is appealing. All those characteristics make it an exciting sector,' Bridges added.
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'We think, therefore, we can do some really good things in the market as well.'
The acquisition of Aqua, founded by Brendan Mooney in 1986 and with 3,000 customers, including RTÉ and Boyle Sports, will see the brand retained, with cross-selling opportunities into the group's other fire-safety entities.
Ranger hopes to become the go-to provider in the UK and Ireland sector, with revenue now hitting £40m.
Aqua's core services include fire extinguisher supply and installation, equipment service and maintenance, fire prevention compliance and fire safety training.
Hyperion is not the only private equity player that has acquired Irish fire-safety firms.
Dutch private equity firm Waterland acquired fire protection system provider Writech in 2021.
Ted Wright, CEO of Writech, said the Mullingar-based group now owns six businesses in Ireland, with three more in the UK and another three in Europe. It is in the process of acquiring a 13th business in the UK.
'If the right deal comes up, I'll take it,' he says.
'Ireland is difficult to do a deal in any way. A lot of founders have really looked after their business. A good business is always hard to get. There will always be competition for good businesses.
'It is more private equity than trade,' he added on the competition.
Wright said Writech was not actively looking in Ireland, but its 'ears were always open' for deals.